Knitting machine

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to knitting machines which incorporate electrically operated knitting needles of the double hook latch type which have no butts and wherein the machine itself has no cams. Electromagnetic energizers are employed to reciprocate the buttless knitting needles by including longitudinally spaced coils which are activated in accordance with a predetermined sequence of operation to reciprocate the needle to form a predetermined knitted pattern configuration. The machine also includes a vacuum take-up device to control heat flow through the apparatus so that the heat which is developed when the coils are activated may be utilized for heat setting of the newly knitted fabric.

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,779,041 Gati Dec. 18, 1973 [5 KNITTINGMACHINE 521,535 5/1940 Great Britain 66/14 9 9 1 1 Inventor George G80 4Park -1 New 1 853751 12323 fir'iiifi'fiff. 331132 York, NY. l00l6 [22]Filed: Aug. 8, 1972 Primary Examiner.lames Kee Chi Attorney-Karl L.Spivak [2]] Appl. No.: 278,787

h 57 ABSTRACT U-S- Cl. S, The present invention rielateg generally toknitting ma- 139/1 34 chines which incorporate electrically operatedknitting [51] ll."- Cl. D04) 9/10, D04b 35/00 needles of the double hooklatch type which have no Fleld of Search l3, 8, 63, butts and whereinthe machine itself has no cams 66/31, 147, 149 139/134 Electromagneticenergizer-s are employed to reciprocate the buttless knitting needles[by including longitu- References Cited dinally spaced coils which areactivated in accordance UNITED STATES PATENTS with a predeterminedsequence of operation to recip- 2,966,784 1/1961 Burdett 66 14 x FocateFi needle 19 a v rmiaeiknites 3,420,075 1/1969 Grothey 66/149 s PatternConfiguration The machine also includes a 2,020,694 11/1935 Mauritsch etal 66/147 vacuum take-up device to control heat flow through 2,485,23010/1949 Alexander etal 66/147 UX the apparatus so that the heat which isdeveloped 2,077,033 4/l937 Bleendes l6/l4 X when the coils are activatedmay be utilized for heat FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Setting of thenewly knitted fabric 15,206 1903 Great Britain 66/14 20 Claims, 19Drawing Figures PATENTED DEC I 81973 samura FIG. I5

PATENTEB DEC I 8W3 smears FIG. I8

FIG.

1 KNITTING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present inventionrelates generally to the knitting machine art, and more particularly, isdirected to improvement in circular knitting machines.

Knitting machines have long been developed which employ a plurality oflatch type needles which operate in conjunction with wool or other fiberyarn for purposes of knitting fabrics. The use of circular knittingmachines to knit a tubular fabric have become increasingly popular andtoday are of considerable importance in the industry. The prior artcircular knitting machines include a plurality of circularly arrangedknitting needles which are controlled in accordance with well knownknitting principles to perform predetermined knitting stitches toproduce a knitted fabric.

The knitting needles which are most popularly employed at the presenttime are of the so called latch type needles wherein a latch is pivotedrelative to the body of the needle in predetermined manner by the yarnto form new stitches and to cast off old stitches for the desiredknitting operations. Most prior art knitting needles are of the singlelatch type, although compound latch needles are already known and havebeen employed for specialized knitting tasks.

All prior art knitting needles of which I am familiar employ butts whichproject from the shank of the needle and ride within cams incorporatedin the machine design to move the latch end of the needle forwardly andrear-wardly of the yarn in predetermined sequential manner to form newstitches and to cast off old stitches as required to knit the desiredpattern. I am aware of double hook knitting needles of the type havinglatch type hooks at each end which are employed in conjunction withflatbed knitting machines as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,451,229. I am alsoaware of knitting machines which employ the use of electromagneticforces in carrying out certain knitting operations. For example, in US.Pat. No. 3,426,550, electromagnetic selectors are provided for shiftingthe needle butts between a pair of cam tracks during the knitting opera-I tion for performing predetermined knitting stitches.

All of the prior knitting machines are subject to considerable loss ofproduction time which is caused by breakage of the needle butts duringknitting operations. Additionally, mishaps in" camming are also frequentcauses of down-time in existing equipment. The use of cams in presentlyavailableyknitting machines of the circular type causes a definitelimitation in the number of feeds which can be employed about thecircumference of the machine. For example, most existing circularknitting machines employ a maximum of 96 feeds due to space limitations.By? limiting the number of feeds which may be employed with a knittingmachine, the rate of production of that machine is similarly limited. Asknitting progresses, each feed knits a certain additional length to thefabric. For example, one feed is capable of knitting approximatelyone-one hundredths of an inch to the fabric. Accordingly, if there are30 feeds, each revolution of the machine will result in knitting thirtyone-hundredths of an inch. Thus, should 96 feeds be'employed, eachrevolution of the machine would result in an additional length ofninety-six onehundredths of an inch. In the event that a machine couldbe developedwhich was capable of accommodating additional feeds, eachrevolution of the circular machine would result in increased fabricproduction at a rate that was directly proportional to the number offeeds employed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally toknitting machines which employ knitting needles of the latch type andmore particularly, is directed a camless knitting machine which iscapable of producing all of the usual knitting stitches and whichemploys latch type needles having no butts whatsoever.

In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of magneticenergizers concentrically position about the needle bed of a circularknitting; machine. A plurality of contacts space about a switch ringwhich is rotatively driven about the magnetic energizers to alternatelyenergize and de-energize the magnetic energizers which are stationarilypositioned on the needle bed. Each magnetic energizer includes aplurality of coils which, when activated is pre-programmed sequence, actto urge the needle reciprocally within the magnetic energizers. In thecase of purl stitches, two magnetic energizers arrange in end to endrelationship and a single needle of the double hook type can bepropelled back and forth between the magnetic energizers.

The alternate powering and de-energizing of the plurality of coils ofthe magnetic energizers sets up limited magnetic fields for shortperiods of time to alternately reciprocate a plurality of compoundknitting needles in response to the control operation of a plurality ofprogramming switches. The needles are specially constructed of thedouble hook type having a latch type hook at each end for knittingpurposes. The knitting needles are fabricated of magnetically attractivematerial such as steel and in a modified embodiment, may be treated toimpress permanent magnetic qualities in the knitting needleconstruction;

By employing magnetically attractive knitting needles and magneticenergizers to reciprocate the knitting needles, all butts and earnspreviously required in conventional knitting apparatus can be completelyeliminated. Additionally, the maximum number of feeds about theperiphery of the needle bed can 'be greatly increased due to thesimplified mechanism.

By employing a great number of magnetic energizers, quantities ofelectrically generated heat from the energizer coils will be availablein the vicinity of the newly knitted fabric. A vacuum take-up has beenemployed to control the build up of heat and to direct the heated air ina manner to permit close control of temperatures through the knittedfabric to utilize the electrically generated heat for heat setting ofthe knitted fabric as the fabric is produced on the machine.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide animproved knitting machine of the type set forth.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedknitting machine which is completely camless in operation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novelknitting machine that employs a plurality of knitting needles, the saidneedles being fabricated of magnetically attractive material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novelknitting machine which employs magnetically attractive needles havingnot butts whatsoever.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novelknitting machine which is capable of greatly-increased productionspeeds.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novelknitting machine that employs magnetic energizers and magneticallyattractive needles reciprocal within the energizers, said magneticallyattractive needles being capable of performing all knitting stitcheswhich were heretofore knitted when using conventional equipment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novelknitting machine that is rugged in construction, that incorporates fewermoving parts and that is trouble-free when in operation.

I Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention will be hadby referring to the following description and claims of a preferredembodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a frontperspective view of acircular knitting machine constructed in accordance with the teachingsof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along Line 2-2 of FIG. 1, lookingin the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along Line 3-3 of FIG. 1, lookingin the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, side elevational view ofa compound latch needlefabricated in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic electrical wiring diagram for operation of theelectrical magnetic energizers.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the interaction of the magneticenergizer, the compound latch needle and schematic circuit wiringcontrolling the function of a magnetic energizer.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing operation of the device incast off position when knitting a plain knit fabric.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing the position of parts whenthe old stitch is still on the latch and when the needle is ready toreceive a new yarn.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the ar rangement of partswhen the old stitch is below the latch and the new yarn is in the hookimmediately before dropping off the old stitch.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of parts for purlstitches wherein the needle will be moved across from one needle bedinto the opposite needle bed.

' FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the arrangment of partsto form purl stitches with the needle still in movement across the twoneedle beds.

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the arrangment of partswhen the needle has reached the position to finally form the purlstitch.

FIG. 13 is a partial side elevational view of the vacuum heat take-updevice, showing an enlarged representation of the area designated inFIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along Line l4-l4 of FIG. 13,looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the needle bed and energizerwiring, showing an enlarged representation of the area designated inFIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged portion of the fabric as knitted by the presentapparatus.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged, partial, top plan view of a portion of thestitch pattern control tape.

FIG. 18 is a schematic, side elevational view of the tape of FIG. 17 inuse.

FIG. 19 is a schematic wiring diagram of the apparatus controlled by thetape of FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Althoughspecific terms are used in the following description for the sake ofclarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particularstructure of my invention selected for illustration in the drawings andare not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, I show in FIG. 1 a circular knittingmachine generally designated 10 wherein a plurality of yarn spools l2feed yarn 14 upwardly through the tensioning arms 16. The yarn thenfeeds upwardly through the stop motion 18 and then interiorly downwardlytowards the rotating yarn and second cylinder platform 20. In theembodiment illustrated, the needle bed 22 comprises a plurality ofconcentrically positioned magnetic energizers and compound latch needleswhich are operative therein as hereinafter more fully set forth.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the needle bed 22 is shown comprising aplurality of pairs of magnetic energizers 24, 26 which are stationarilyaffixed in position. A plurality of switch contacts 28, 30 rotativelymount'on the machine frame 32 and are rotatively driven about themagnetic energizers by the main drive 34 through a shaft and geararrangement 36 in any well known manner. It will be appreciated thatthere will be one armature for each yarn feed 38 and these armatureswill rotate in the usual manner. The yarns and contacts are synchronizedso that a feed positions in alignment with an energizer when the contactcloses the switch for each individual needle to thereby energize theneedle to emerge from its associated magnetic energizer 24 or 26 toengage the yarn 38 for knitting purposes as hereinafter more fully setforth. A plurality of vacuum take-up heads 40 mount beneath the needlebed 22 and position adjacent the knitted fabric 42 for heat settingpurposes as hereinafter more fully set forth. A plurality of patterningswitching devices are provided for each energizer 24, 26 for interactionwith a pattern switch controller in the manner hereinafter more fullydiscussed.

Referring now to FIG. 4, I show a compound latch needle 48 which isreciprocal within each magnetic energizer 24, 26 in response toelectrical energy supplied through the switch contacts 28, 30 and thepatterning switching devices. Each compound latch needle 48 comprises abody 50 which is composed of magnetically active material such ashardened steel and terminates at either end in a conventional hook 52,54 for receiving new stitches as hereinafter more fully set forth.

Each hook S2, 54 has a pivotal latch 56, 58 associated with it and thehook and latch assemblies 52, 56 and 54, 58 function to pull on newstitches and to cast off old stitches in conventional manner during theknitting procedures. Preferably, the latches are fabricated of strong,non-magnetic material, such as suitable plastic. The compound latchneedles 48 function horizontally between horizontally disposed magneticenergizers to equalize the forces of gravity throughout the operation sothat equal forces will be applied to reciprocate the needle during allportions of the knitting cycle. Additionally, by horizontally disposingboth the needles 48 and the magnetic energizers 24, 26, there is nopossibility of a needle dropping out by gravity when the machine is shutdown after the completion of a knitting operation.

A schematic electrical wiring diagram is set forth in FIG. 5 whereinordinary 220 volt alternating current is impressed upon the primarywinding 60 of a step-up transformer 62. The secondary winding 64transforms the current to 440 volts and feeds the higher voltage currentto a rectifier 66 which incorporates a plurality of diodes 68, 70, 72,74. The diodes act conventionally to convert the alternating current to440 volt direct current to operate the plurality of magnetic energizercoils as hereinafter more fully discussed. The rectifier leads 76, 78carry the 440 volt direct current to the magnetic energizers 24, 26 forreciprocation of the compound latch needles 48 as hereinafter more fullyset forth.

Referring now to FIG. 6, I show a three position magnetic energizer 80which is fabricated of non-magnetic, sturdy material such as a suitableplastic and includes a hollow, generally rectangular interior space 82of size to receive a compound latch needle 48 therewithin and to permitrelative reciprocal motion of the needle with respect to the magneticenergizer 80. The control end 84 of the energizer 80 is interiorlythreaded or otherwise treated to adjustably receive the adjusting plug86 therewithin. The adjusting plug 86 inwardly carries a resilientsection 88, which terminates inwardly and carries the hard rubber bumper90. The rubber bumper resiliently mounts on the section 88 and serves asthe inward limit of travel for the needle 48 during operation'of thedevice. Accordingly, by adjusting the adjustable plug 86 relative to thecontrol end 84, such as by turning the screw thread 92 the rubber bumper90 may be positioned nearer or further from the open end 94 of theenergizer 80 to thereby provide a convenient method for adjusting thelength of stroke of the needle 48 as it is propelled to thereby controlthe size of the stitch as the needle is reciprocated by the energizercoils.

A plurality of coils 96, 98, 100 encircle each energizer in spacedrelationship over the rectangular interior space 82 and develop magneticfields in the coil areas in accordance with well known principles ofelectro-magnetic construction for magnetic attraction of the needle 48.An electrical circuit 102 has its leads 104, 106 connected to therectified leads 76, 78 in well known manner. An action switch 108controls the flow of current to the coils 96, 98, 100 through theelectrical circuit 102 in response to closing of the switch by therevolving switch contacts 28 or 30. Thus, each magnetic energizer canonly function to reciprocate its associated latch needle 48 when theswitch contacts 28 or 30 close a respective action switch 108. The coils96, 98, 100 connect in parallel'with the circuit 102 and accordingly,can be activated only when the switch 108 is closed by'a switch contact.When the switch 108 is open, no current can flow through the circuit 102and the coils 96, 98, 100 will be completely inactive. Each coil 96, 98,100 is controlled by an associated pattern- 6 ing switch 110, 112, 114and these patterning switches are in turn regulated by operation of thepattern controller as hereinafter more fully set forth. Thus, theswitches 110, 1 12, 114 may be activated only when the action switch 108is closed as controlled by the revolv ing switch contact 28, 30 and whenoperated by function of the pattern controller.

Referring now to FIG. 7, I show :a schematic arrangement wherein theneedle 48 is urged to its innermost position within the interior space 82 by energiziation of the innermost coil 96 through closing of theswitch 110 as determined by the patterning controller (not shown). Withthe coil 96 activated, the innermost hook 52 bottoms against the rubberbumper 90 which had previously been adjusted to the predetermineddesired location relative to the interior space 82 of the magneticenergizer. The latch 58 is shown in the cast-off position wherein theold loop is cast off and drops over the closed latch and the new yarnthus forms a new stitch in accordance with' well known knittingprinciples. The rubber bumper 90 is provided of adjustable, resilientconstruction to absorb the momentum of the needle and to prevent bounce.

In FIG. 8, I show the magnetic energizer with the center coil 98energized by closing of the switch 112 after closing the s iwtch 108.Kindly note that the other two patterning switches 110, 114 are open tothereby de-energize their associated coils 96, 100. Energization of thecoil 98 moves the needle 48 outwardly relative to the magnetic energizer80 into position with the latch open to retain the old stitch so thatthe stitch will not be cast off when the needle moves inwardly relativeto the magnetic energizer 80. The hook 54 is open to receive the newyarn and thus, when the new yarn is fed in on this feed, it will form atubked stitch.

As illustrated in FlG. 9, when the switch 114 closes in response to thepatterning controller, the coil 100 is energized to urge the needle 48outwardly to its outermost position relative to the magnetic energizer80. In this position, the needle 48 moves outwardly of the interiorspace 82 a sufficient distance to have the old stitch (not shown) falloff of the latch so that when the needle moves backwardlytoward therubber bumper 90, the old stitch will close the latch and drop off ofthe needle. In this operation, the new yarn, which has been fed into theopen hook 54 of the needle will form into a new stitch. The three needlepositions illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 enable the machine to beemployed for plain knitting purposes.

Referring now to FIG. 10, I show a pair of magnetic energizers 24, 26which are each constructed similarly to the three position magneticenergizer 80. The magnetic energizers 24, 26 are shown in horizontal,longitudinally juxtaposed relationship wherein the needle 48 may bemoved from one needle bed to the other to form a purl stitch 128. Eachmagnetic energizer 24, 26 includes a hollow rectangular interior space82, an adjustable plug 86, a resilient section 88 and a rubber bumperwhich are constructed in the manner hereinbefore described;Additionally, each magnetic energizer 24, 26 is similarly equipped witha plurality of three longitudinally spaced coils 96, 98, 100, which arein turn controlled by their respective patterning switches 110, 112, 114in the manner hereinbefore described. Each magnetic energizer 24, 26 ispowered by an electrical circuit 102, the action of which is controlledby a series connected action switch 108. In the position of FIG. 10, theleft magnetic energizer 24 middle coil 98 is energized by closing of thepatterning switch 112 to urge the needle 48 outwardly relative to theinterior space 82 in the manner hereinbefore described in thearrangement of FIG. 8. At the same time, the outermost coil 100 of theright magnetic energizer 26 is energized by closing of the switch 114.The magnetic energizers 24, 26 are arranged in horizontal axialalignment and are spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit transferof the needle 48 from the interior space 82 of the left magneticenergizer 24 to the interior space 82 of the right magnetic energizer26. Thus, when the needle 48 moves into the right needle bed asrepresented by the magnetic energizer 26, the old stitch will be castoff of the latch 58 and the new yarn will be pulled onto the reverseside to form a purl stitch. The old stitch will move back and close thelatch 56 on the opposite side of the compound needle. When the new yarn130 is pulled into the opposite side of the needle, a purl stitch 128will be formed.

In FIG. 11, the needle 48 is still in movement across the two needlebeds between the magnetic energizer 24 and the magnetic energizer 26 toform the purl stitch 128. As the needle moves into the interior space 82of the energizer 26, the formed stitch and the new yarn 130 causes thelatch 56 to close and the stitch will then be cast off of the left endof the needle 48 when it is in the cast-off position within the magneticenergizer 26. It will be observed that as the needle 48 passes betweenthe left magnetic energizer 24 and the right magnetic energizer 26, thecoil 100 is energized by closing of the switch 114 to urge the needleoutwardly of the interior space 82 of the energizer 24. Simultaneously,the middle coil 98 of the right magnetic energizer 24 is activated byclosing the switch 112 to attract the hook end 54 of the needle 48 intothe interior space 82 of the right magnetic energizer 24.

As seen in FIG. 12, the needle 48 reaches its final position within theinterior space 82 of the magnetic energizer 26 to finally form the purlstitch 128. In this position, the switches 110, 112, 114 of the magneticenergizer 24 are open to de-energize the coils 96, 98, 100

.. which therefore have no magnetic attraction whatsoever for the needle48. The switch 110 closes to energize the rearwardmost coil 96 of theright magnetic energizer 26 to pull the needle 48 to its rearwardmostposition by means of magnetic attraction. In this position, the latch 56closes upon the hook 52 to permit the stitch 128 to be cast off as theneedle fully seats within the interior space 82. It will be appreciatedthat the coils 96, 98, 1000f each pair of the axially aligned, spacedenergizers 24, 26 may be operated in sequence as hereinbeforeillustrated to reciprocate the needle 48 backwardly and forwardly withinthe interior space 82 of the magnetic energizers 24, 26 to continuouslyknit purl stitches.

Referring now to FIG. 13 and 14, I show a vacuum take-up head 116 whichis positioned to pull ambient air from on top of the needle bed throughthe knitted fabric 42. The coils 96.98, 100 electrically generate heatabove the needle bed and this heated air can be utilized to heat set thefabric as it is knitted by the machine 10. The face 118 of the vacuumtake-up head 116 inclines at an angle of approximately from the verticalto pull air from the needle bed above and is drilled or otherwisetreated to provide a plurality of openings 120 to receive the air fromthe vicinity of the needle bed. The head 116 is formed to provide ahollow interior passage 122 which is in communication with the pluralityof openings 120. An exit passage 124 connects to the interior 122 of thevacuum take-up head 116 and leads to a connection to a vacuum pump (notshown) of suitable design and capacity in any well known manner. Theheated air which enters the takeup head 116 is preferably pulleddirectly through the fabric 42 prior to entering the holes 120. This maybe accomplished readily by placing the vacuum take-up head relative tothe location of the knitted fabric in position to draw air through theknitted fabric from the needle bed. It will be appreciated thatconsiderable heat will be generated by the plurality of coils 96, 98, ofthe magnetic energizers 24, 26 and it is this heat that is utilized inheat setting of the fabric. The temperature of the heated air passingthrough the fabric 42 may be regulated by varying the amount of airentering the vacuum take-up head 116. The volume of air may readily beregulated in well known manner such as by employing dampers 126 mountedin the exit passage 124, by providing volume dampers (not shown) acrossthe face 118 of the take-up head or by varying the operation of thevacuum pump (not shown), all in well known manner by those skilled inthe air handling art.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 15, the outer switch contacts 28 mount uponthe outer switch ring 132 and the inner switch contacts 30 mount uponthe inner switch ring 134 to revolve about a shaft and gear system 36 inconventional manner to rotate the outer switch ring 132 and the affixedouter switch contacts 28 at uniform rotative speed. Through suitablebelt and pulley system 172, 174, 176, 178, the inner switch ring 134 issimultaneously rotated by the motor 34 in synchronism with the outerswitch ring 132 to that the outer switch contacts 28 rotate at preciselythe same speed as the inner switch contacts 30. Also, the respectivecontacts 28, 30 are peripherally spaced about their respectiveassociated rings to rotatively in turn close the respective actionswitches 108 oflongitudinallyjuxtaposed, axially aligned pairs ofmagnetic energizers 24, 26. In the embodiment illustrated, the contacts28, 30 each include a shaped section 138 which is rotated into contactwith the points 140, 142 of each switch 108 to momentarily close theswitch to thereby energize the electrical circuit 102 to function themagnetic energizers 24, 26. The armatures 144 respectively extend fromthe contacts 30 and are rotated therewith upon rotation of the innerswitch ring 134. Each armature 144 rotates a yarn 14 into positionbetween the longitudinally spaced magnetic energizers 24, 26 when thecontacts 28, 30 close the respective action switches 108. In thismanner, the yarn feed is automatically postioned for take up by theneedle 48 for knitting purposes when the needle is propelled by itsassociated energizer or energizers.

In order to control the operation of the patterning switches 110, 112,114, it is contemplated that the movement of the needle 48 will becontrolled by the usual film type card controller as presently in use.In the case of plain or jersey knits, the card need have only threepositions to carry out the sequence of knitting steps as set forth inFIGS. 7 9. In the case of purl stitches, the pattern controller (notshown) will have six contacts, one controlling each of the switches 110,I12, 114 of the magnetic energizers 24, 26 to carry out the sequence ofoperations as set forth in FIGS. 10

12. In lieu of employing a pattern controller of conventional design, anelectronic scanner of the type marketed under the trademark Chroma-Scanby Scientific Technology, Ltd., Rehovot, Israel could also be employed.This device is based on the principle of providing fully automaticpreparation of cards, tapes or disks directly from the designer's sketchto any make of jacquard knitting machine. The electronic scanner scansthe drawing and automatically senses the color of each point in thedrawing and employs a plug-in programming module compatiblefor use withexisting card controlled machines. The module performs all thecommutation and control functions needed to convert the designersdrawing to the jacquard code of the machine and is suitable on anysixfeed knitting sequence. By functioning to open and close the patterningswitches 110, 112, 114 in programmed sequence, the electronic scanner inconjunction with the switch contacts 28, 30, which act to sequentiallyclose the various action switches 108, serves to provide a fullyautomated, camless and buttless knitting operation.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the device of the present invention can beemployed to knit a fabric 42 of conventional purl stitches wherein 146represents the top of the new stitch, 148 represents the top of the oldstitch and ISO illustrates the new stitch.

Referring now to FIGS. l7, l8 and I9, I show a novel patterningmechanism which may conveniently be employed in conjunction with thepresent apparatus. A

film 154 runs between a supply spool 162 and a take-up spool 164 inconventional manner and is provided with a plurality of longitudinallyaligned openings 156, 158, 160 for patterning stitch control purposes.For straight knitting as in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, only three coils 96, 98,100 needs be controlled and so the tape need only three longitudinallyaligned rows of openings as illustrated. In the case of purl stitches asin FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the tape 154 must control six patterningswitches and so six aligned rows (not shown would have to be provided.In operation, each patterning coil switch 110, 112, 114 could beequipped with a movable blade 166 which would normally be retained inthe switch open position by the material of the pattern film 154. Themovable blades 166 would be aligned to register over a respective row oflongitudinally aligned openings 156, 158 or 160. When the tape is drivenby the spools 162, 164 into longitudinal position wherein a blade 166registered with an opening, the opening 156, 158 or 160 then allows themovable blade 166 to bias to its switch closed position 168 to therebyenergize its respective associated coil 96, 98 or 100 for needlereciprocation in the manner hereinbefore described. 1

Although I have described the present invention with reference toparticular embodiments therein set forth, it is understood that thepresent disclosure has been made only by way of example and thatnumerous changes in the details of construction may be resorted towithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, thescope of the invention should not be limited by the foregoingspecification but rather only by the scope of the claims appendedhereto.

I claim:

1. In a knitting machine of the camless type and having a needle bed,the combination of A. a plurality of magnetic energizers positioned uponthe needle bed, i

1. said magnetic energizers being fabricated of non-magnetic material toan elongate configuration, r

2. said magnetic energizers each defining an interior space having afirst open end and a second closed end,

3. said magnetic energizers each having a plurality of longitudinallyspaced coils responsive to the flow of electrical current;

B. a latch type knitting needle reciprocal within the magnetic energizerand having two ends,

1. said needle being fabricated of magnetically attractive material,

2. said needle being moved relative tothe magnetic v energizer by theactivation of coils; and

C. electrical control means to control the flow of electrical current tothe coils.

2. The invention of claim 1. wherein the needle is equipped with a hookand a latch at each end.

3. The invention of claim 2' wherein the needle has no butts.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein the second closed end of themagnetic energizer is provided with resilient means to determine theinnermost distance of travel of the needle within the interior space.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein the position of the resilient meansis adjustable relative to the interior space to vary the size ofstitches knitted by the needle as it is reciprocated.

6. The invention of claim I wherein the electrical control means includean electrical circuit magnetic energizer and a switch to control theflow of electricity to each electrical circuit, said switch having anopen position and a closed position.

7. The invention of claim 6 and a contact ring mounted on the knittingmachine and having contacts affixed thereon, said contact ring beingrotated to close each said switch momentarily to energize the electricalcircuit.

8. The invention of claim 7 wherein each coil is energized by theelectrical circuit through a patterning switch, said patterning switcheshaving open and closed positions.

9. The invention of claim 8 and means to function the patterningswitches in pre-programmed sequence.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein the means to function thepatterning switches include an elongate web, said web being pierced toprovide a plurality of openings, the said web being driven to pass theopenings across the patterning switches.

11. The invention of claim 10 wherein the patterning switches arefunctioned by the said openings, each said patterning switch beingclosed when the openings are driven past the patterning switch.

12. The invention of claim 1 wherein pairs of magnetic energizers arearranged in axially aligned, longitudinally justaposed position.

13. The invention of claim 12 wherein the open ends of each magneticenergizer in a pair face each other.

14. The invention of claim 13 wherein the pairs of magnetic energizersradially position upon the needle bed.

15. The invention of claim 14 wherein a single needle is associated witheach said pair of magnetic energizers.

16. The invention of claim 15 wherein preprogrammed activation of thelongitudinally spaced coils of each magnetic energizer of each said pairthe duct, said knitted fabric being positioned between the magneticenergizers and the intake to the duct so that heated air passes throughthe knitted fabric prior to entering the duct.

19. The invention of claim 18 wherein the duct is provided with volumecontrol means to regulate the flow of heated air.

20. The invention of claim 1 wherein the magnetic energizers arehorizontally aligned. II

1. In a knitting machine of the camless type and having a needle bed,the combination of A. a plurality of magnetic energizers positioned uponthe needle bed,
 1. said magnetic energizers being fabricated ofnon-magnetic material to an elongate configuration,
 2. said magneticenergizers each defining an interior space having a first open end and asecond closed end,
 3. said magnetic energizers each having a pluralityof longitudinally spaced coils responsive to the flow of electricalcurrent; B. a latch type knitting needle reciprocal within the magneticenergizer and having two ends,
 1. said needle being fabricated ofmagnetically attractive material,
 2. said needle being moved relativetothe magnetic energizer by the activation of coils; and C. electricalcontrol means to control the flow of electrical current to the coils. 2.The invention of claim 1 wherein the needle is equipped with a hook anda latch at each end.
 2. said needle being moved relative tothe magneticenergizer by the activation of coils; and C. electrical control means tocontrol the flow of electrical current to the coils.
 2. said magneticenergizers each defining an interior space having a first open end and asecond closed end,
 3. said magnetic energizers each having a pluralityof longitudinally spaced coils responsive to the flow of electricalcurrent; B. a latch type knitting needle reciprocal within the magneticenergizer and having two ends,
 3. The invention of claim 2 wherein theneedle has no butts.
 4. The invention of claim 3 wherein the secondclosed end of the magnetic energizer is provided with resilient means todetermine the innermost distance of travel of the needle within theinterior space.
 5. The invention of claim 4 wherein the position of theresilient means is adjustable relative to the interior space to vary thesize of stitches knitted by the needle as it is reciprocated.
 6. Theinvention of claim 1 wherein the electrical control means include anelectrical circuit magnetic energizer and a switch to control the flowof electricity to each electrical circuit, said switch having an openposition and a closed position.
 7. The invention of claim 6 and acontact ring mounted on the knitting machine and having contacts affixedthereon, said contact ring being rotated to close each said switchmomentarily to energize the electrical circuit.
 8. The invention ofclaim 7 wherein each coil is energized by the electrical circuit througha patterning switch, said patterning switches having open and closedpositions.
 9. The invention of claim 8 and means to function thepatterning switches in pre-programmed sequence.
 10. The invention ofclaim 9 wherein the means to function the patterning switches include anelongate web, said web being pierced to provide a plurality of openings,the said web being driven to pass the openings across the patterningswitches.
 11. The invention of claim 10 wherein the patterning switchesare functioned by the said openings, each said patterning switch beingclosed when the openings are driven past the patterning switch.
 12. Theinvention of claim 1 wherein pairs of magnetic energizers are arrangedin axially aligned, longitudinally justaposed position.
 13. Theinvention of claim 12 wherein the open ends of each magnetic energizerin a pair face each other.
 14. The invention of claim 13 wherein thepairs of magnetic energizers radially position upon the needle bed. 15.The invention of claim 14 wherein a single needle is associated witheach said pair of magnetic energizers.
 16. The invention of claim 15wherein pre-programmed activation of the longitudinally spaced coils ofeach magnetic energizer of each said pair causes the needle toreciprocate between the interior spaces of each magnetic energizer of apair for knitting purposes.
 17. The invention of claim 1 and air take-upmeans positioned below the needle bed, said air take-up meanscontrolling air flow through the knitting machine so that heat generatedby the coils may be used for heat setting the newly knitted fabric. 18.The invention of claim 17 wherein the air take-up means include a ductand vacuum means to pull air into the duct, said knitted fabric beingpositioned Between the magnetic energizers and the intake to the duct sothat heated air passes through the knitted fabric prior to entering theduct.
 19. The invention of claim 18 wherein the duct is provided withvolume control means to regulate the flow of heated air.
 20. Theinvention of claim 1 wherein the magnetic energizers are horizontallyaligned.